Silversea Expedition Cruises Nach QAQORTOQ (Julianehaab)

The largest town in southern Greenland, Qaqortoq has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Upon arrival in this charming southern Greenland enclave, it's easy to see why. Qaqortoq rises quite steeply over the fjord system around the city, offering breath-taking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, deep, blue sea, Lake Tasersuag, icebergs in the bay, and pastoral backcountry. View more

Although the earliest signs of ancient civilization in Qaqortoq date back 4,300 years, Qaqortoq is known to have been inhabited by Norse and Inuit settlers in the 10th and 12th centuries, and the present-day town was founded in 1774. In the years since, Qaqortoq has evolved into a seaport and trading hub for fish and shrimp processing, tanning, fur production, and ship maintenance and repair.

An Introduction to Silversea Expeditions

“Voyage of a lifetime” does not even begin to describe a Silversea Expedition experience. Imagine the comfort and intimacy of our ships, coupled with the most intriguing, far-flung destinations on earth. With over 590 destinations on all 7 continents, this is expedition cruising at its finest. Our uniquely curated itineraries with excursions adapted to individual ability and interest cater to all, while our knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts lead the way. Butler service, highest crew to guest ration in the industry and all-inclusivity make a Silversea Expedition cruise like nothing you have ever experienced.

Exkursionen in QAQORTOQ (Julianehaab)

Explore the fur and sealskin trade in Greenland from a unique perspective during this informative visit to a tanning and production company.

Great Greenland Furhouse

Depart the pier with your guide for the short walk to the Great Greenland Furhouse. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the facility. Along the way, learn about the history, production, processing, distribution, and valuation of Greenland fur and sealskins.

Guided Walking Tour

During your visit, a stop is made at the demonstration room to view skins of polar bear, seal, caribou, reindeer, musk ox, and lamb. Afterward, continue past the cleaning and purchasing areas en route to the sorting room, where the quality of skins is determined and multicoloured skins are piled high. In the workroom, observe seamstresses sewing beautiful coats, jackets, mittens, slippers, and other items made of sealskin, an indispensable part of the colourful national costume. At the conclusion of your visit, commence the short walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing for approximately 984 yards (about 900 metres), at times over uneven terrain. This tour takes place entirely on-foot, and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Warm, layered clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes or boots, and sun protection are recommended. Photography is not permitted inside the factory. Guests are advised not to touch the unfinished products in the sewing department, or the machines in the tannery. The tannery is closed for production on weekends and most of July due to holidays; however, tours will run through the industrial holidays. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience a taste of the local lifestyle in Qaqortoq during this memorable visit to a local residence.

Qaqortoq

Depart the pier for the short guided walk through Qaqortoq en route to the home of a local resident. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by your host and invited inside.

Local Home Visit

During your in-home visit, relax whilst coffee, tea and cakes are served and the national costume is displayed; many women are involved in the making of each costume. Your guide also serves as your interpreter, enabling you to inquire about your host's home, lifestyle, local landmarks, etc. At the conclusion of your in-home visit, commence the short walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing for approximately 0.75 miles (about 1.2 kilometres), at times over uneven terrain and inclines, with up to 12 steps to negotiate at the homes visited. This tour takes place entirely on-foot, and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Warm, layered clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes or boots, and sun protection are recommended. Guests are advised to remove their shoes prior to entering a private home, especially during rainy weather. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore the history, culture, people and lifestyles of Greenland during this picturesque walking tour through Qaqortoq.

Town Square and Market Visit

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour through the city of Qaqortoq. Along the way, a brief stop is made at the town-square. View old buildings ranging from Colonial times to the Fountain, which was erected in 1932 to commemorate the centennial of the Old Church in Qaqortoq. A stop is then made at the fish and meat market before continuing on to the Old Church.

Old Church and Inuit Huts

Apostle Hans Egede introduced Christianity to Greenland in 1721, and the Old Church, or 'Annaasisup Oqaluffia', was built in Qaqortoq in 1832. In addition to original paintings from the mid-1800s, see the wreaths honouring the more than 90 people who perished on the maiden voyage of the Hans Hedtofte off Cape Farewell January 31, 1959. A model of the ship can be found hanging in most Greenlandic churches. Leaving the Old Church, visit a reconstruction of the traditional stone-and-peat huts used by the Inuit people until the 1970s.

Local Landmarks, Sculptures and Souvenirs

Next, stroll past the Municipal Administrative Building and adjacent New Church; an optional stop is made inside the church. From here, walk past the supermarket, largest food store and the restaurant Arctic Café, where a brief stop is made at the 'Bench of Love' on 'Vatican Hill'. Your tour concludes with an opportunity to view some of the 30 Stone and Man sculptures carved by Scandinavian artists. Following a brief visit to the Souvenir Shop, commence the short walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and standing for approximately 1.87 miles (about three kilometres), at times over uneven terrain and inclines, with four steps to negotiate at the Old Church and three steps at the New Church. This tour takes place entirely on-foot, and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Warm, layered clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes or boots, and sun protection are recommended. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

NUUK (Godthab)

REYKJAVIK

SCORESBY SUND

SKJOLDUNGEN

UUNARTOQ ISLAND

An Introduction to Silversea Expeditions

“Voyage of a lifetime” does not even begin to describe a Silversea Expedition experience. Imagine the comfort and intimacy of our ships, coupled with the most intriguing, far-flung destinations on earth. With over 590 destinations on all 7 continents, this is expedition cruising at its finest. Our uniquely curated itineraries with excursions adapted to individual ability and interest cater to all, while our knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts lead the way. Butler service, highest crew to guest ration in the industry and all-inclusivity make a Silversea Expedition cruise like nothing you have ever experienced.